LAGOS, Nigeria – Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has emphasized the necessity for global standards in regulating digital content in Nigeria, addressing attendees at the ongoing Third Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference (NDCRC) organized by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) in Lagos.
Represented by Mrs Oloruntoyin Atekoja, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos State’s emergence as a hub for creativity, talent, and innovation, drawing filmmakers from around the world.
“Nollywood, our vibrant film industry, has not only captivated local audiences but has also gained international recognition, solidifying its position as the second-largest film industry globally,” stated Sanwo-Olu. He commended the industry for contributing significantly to the economy, creating jobs, and boosting tourism.
However, amidst these achievements, the governor expressed concern about the absence of global standards in regulating digital content, posing challenges in protecting intellectual property rights. Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of guidelines ensuring the quality, safety, and ethical standards of digital media in the era of easy cross-border content access and sharing.
The governor emphasized that the lack of global standards could lead to financial losses, discourage creative talents, and result in the proliferation of pirated and low-quality content. He also raised concerns about the potential impact on cultural values and societal norms.
To address these issues, Sanwo-Olu called for collaboration among stakeholders at the state, national, and international levels. He urged cooperation with fellow nations, industry experts, and regulatory bodies to establish a framework promoting responsible content creation, distribution, and consumption.
The proposed framework should encompass guidelines for intellectual property protection, content quality standards, age restrictions, and cultural sensitivity. Sanwo-Olu also emphasized the need for effective enforcement mechanisms and international cooperation to combat piracy and copyright infringement.
Despite these challenges, Governor Sanwo-Olu reassured his commitment to supporting the growth of Nigeria’s film industry. He urged all stakeholders, including filmmakers, industry associations, regulatory bodies, and international partners, to join efforts in shaping global standards for regulating digital content.
In a goodwill message, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), highlighted the crucial role of the creative industry in shaping Nigeria’s value system. Prof. Abba Tijani, Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, emphasized the creative industry’s importance in building the nation’s cultural identity.
In closing, Prof. Sunday Ododo, General Manager of the National Theatre, urged stakeholders to create content that reflects a Nigeria everyone can be proud of. The conference, attended by several veterans in the creative and film industry, remains a significant platform for discussions on the regulation and growth of Nigeria’s digital content landscape.
